Fungus sprouting in lawn can be removed with hoe

Updated 2:10 pm, Saturday, November 24, 2012

Q: We have strange sporelike things growing out of our yard. They are large, brownish-black mounds, and when I pick them up, they seem to have a small root system. Should I be concerned?

A: It sounds like you have a saprophytic fungus growing on the surface of your lawn and landscape. They feed on decaying organic matter, and they present no cause for concern, other than any smothering they might do to low-growing plants and turf.

Breaking them off with a hoe or shovel or dusting them with sulfur will eliminate them. Just use care: Sulfur can burn your eyes and plants' leaves. Without a photo, that would be my best guess.

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Q: Do I need to be concerned about English ivy that is growing up the trunk of our heritage live oak? Someone has told us it could choke out the tree and that it adds to the weight of the tree's branches. Should I remove it?

A: I get concerned about English ivy climbing up the trunks of my trees when it starts to grow out horizontally onto the limbs, because it does add to the weight of the branches during wind and ice storms. I also get concerned when it starts to form a canopy over the top of the tree, because shading will kill out the support tree.

It is not parasitic, and it does not cause any harm to the bark. If you keep it pruned so it's only on the trunks, it should be fine.

Q. How can I find a propane heater for my greenhouse? It's only 10 by 16 feet with a 7-foot ceiling, and the ones I see online are too large.

A: This is not really my specialty, so I encourage you to ask ample questions of the sale reps. I have two large commercial heaters in my greenhouse, but it's 30 by 60 feet. However, I have a small space heater that I use in my detached garage, and I've been pleased with its service for the past several winters. It runs off propane, and it has an electric blower fan to distribute the warm air. It has electronic pilot and an anti-tip kill switch. I believe it even has a built-in carbon monoxide sensor built into it. I see a lot of options online, although I also see them in local hardware stores and home centers, generally for $100-$250. You would want a small amount of ventilation to ensure a good supply of oxygen for your plants. Just a very slightly opened vent would be sufficient.

Q: We have found small branches (up to 18 inches long) on the ground beneath our Italian poplars. They are browned, but they're not brittle. Why would they keep showing up?

A: I'm at a loss as to the plant itself. Lombardy poplars grow in the same form as Italian cypress (extremely columnar), so my guess is you're talking about one or the other of those. However, I don't know of any common problem that would cause small branches to be severed.

It sounds like the work of twig girdlers, and they might be a problem with Lombardy poplars. The branches would look as if they have been cut with a knife. If that's the case, simply pick them up and destroy them. The larvae for the next generation will be in those fallen branches.

If I've missed it, please resend your question with photos.

Q: I have what I think are mimosa seedlings coming up in my lawn. Short of having to pick each seedling out separately, is there an easier way to eliminate them?

A: Assuming they are mimosas, mowing should discourage them almost immediately. You could apply a broadleafed weedkiller spray when they're growing most actively, probably next April or May.

Mail questions to Neil Sperry, c/o Features, San Antonio Express-News, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171, or email him at SAENgardenQA@sperrygardens.com. For more of his advice, go to his Facebook page.